How to winterize your whirlpool tub
The ultimate guide
A bubbling hot tub in your own garden is a blessing - and not just in summer. But when the temperatures drop and the first frost approaches, it's time for hot tub owners to take action. Because without the right precautions, the cold season can cause considerable damage to your outdoor hot tub. Frozen water in the pipes can result in expensive repairs. With the right winterization, you can avoid such risks and ensure that your hot tub is ready for soothing moments of relaxation in spring.
In this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to prepare your hot tub for its winter rest and which points are particularly important.
1. clean the system thoroughly Before you start the actual winterization process, clean your hot tub thoroughly. This prevents the formation of bacteria and biofilm that can build up in the pipes. Use a special cleaning agent for whirlpools and allow it to circulate according to the manufacturer's instructions. This process usually takes about 15 minutes.
2. switch off the power supply Safety comes first! Switch off all appliances on your hot tub and disconnect the fuse switch. This will prevent electric shocks or other hazards during winterization.
3. drain the water completely A key step in winterizing is to drain the hot tub completely. To do this, use a submersible pump, which works faster than the drain plug. Alternatively, you can also connect a garden hose to the drain plug on some models. Make sure that the other end of the hose is positioned so that the water is diverted away from the hot tub.
4. drain the air blower and pipes Residual water in the pipes and air blower can also freeze and cause damage. To remove it, place the cover on the whirlpool tub and switch the device on for about 15 seconds. Allow the blower and pumps to run, then switch off the whirlpool tub and disconnect the fuse switch. Remove the cover and drain the water that has been blown into the tub.
5. remove, clean and store the filters Remove the filters and clean them thoroughly, for example with a 24-hour chemical treatment. Store the filters in a clean and dry place. Check the filter shaft for residual water and remove this with a wet/dry vacuum cleaner or a sponge.
6. unscrew the pumps and heater Open the cover of the whirlpool and loosen the connections that attach the PVC pipes to the pumps. Also remove the drain plugs from the pumps so that condensation can drain out of the pipes. Keep the drain plugs in a safe place.
7 Blow out the pipes Use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner with blowing function to remove the last traces of water from the pipes. Get into the empty whirlpool tub and blow out all the jets one after the other. Repeat this process a second time to be on the safe side.
8. cleaning the tub and cover Clean the whirlpool tub with a suitable cleaner. Make sure that the cleaner is completely removed before closing the whirlpool tub. Also clean the inside and outside of the cover thoroughly.
9. remove residual water from the tub Remove any remaining water from the tub by blowing out all the jets again or using a wet/dry vacuum cleaner.
10. secure the cover Secure the spa cover with straps or locks to protect it from strong winds and curious animals. If locks are not available, you should consider purchasing them.
11. secure the spa enclosure If your hot tub has a cover, close all doors and flaps. This will prevent animals from nesting in the cladding.
12. cover the whirlpool tub with a tarpaulin Finally, cover the hot tub with a heavy tarpaulin to protect it from water ingress. In regions with severe winter weather, a special winter cover is a good alternative.
